GANJA – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is contemplating a substantial loan allocation of €370 million to Azerbaijan for extensive improvements to the water supply, sanitation, and stormwater management systems in the city of Ganja.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the proposed financing package will benefit the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency, which manages the nation’s water resources. The project encompasses the reconstruction of existing water infrastructure and the construction of a new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Ganja. This initiative is part of the EBRD’s Green Cities program, aimed at tackling significant environmental challenges such as water availability and quality as identified in the Ganja Green City Action Plan (GCAP).

The government of Azerbaijan has prioritized this project in response to the critical need for upgraded urban water and wastewater systems in Ganja. Upon completion, the project is expected to provide the entire city with uninterrupted water supply and enhanced wastewater sanitation services. Additionally, it aims to reduce flood risks through the introduction of an advanced stormwater management system.

The project’s environmental benefits include significant improvements in the treatment of wastewater before it is discharged into the Ganja River, promoting sustainability and protecting local waterways. The EBRD plans to finance a portion of the project’s total cost of €365 million in several tranches, supplemented by investment grants from international donors.